Despite dominating in most categories, the Wildcats led only 34-27 with 4:19 remaining in the first half. Hilliard made three foul shots and a layup, and Tony Chennault hit a 3-pointer and made two free throws in Villanova’s 10-2 run for a 44-29 advantage at the break.

Monmouth closed to 44-36 only 2:14 into the second half, but Villanova ran off 10 straight points and eventually pushed the advantage to 65-41 at the 10:18 mark on Chennault’s 3-pointer.